Cassava farmers in Nkhata Bay District are counting losses following an outbreak of cassava brown streak virus which has affected cassava fields, threatening to leave many households at risk of food insecurity.
Nkhata Bay district agriculture office says about 381 hectares of cassava have so far been destroyed by the disease, which continues to spread despite farmers’ efforts to contain it.
One of the affected farmers, Emily Longwe, from Lwazi Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Timbiri, said the situation is alarming because their fields remain under attack even after following guidance from agricultural officers.
“We are doing everything as advised, but the disease is still spreading. This is worrisome for our future,” she said.
Another farmer Desmond Mughawa, from Chinguluwe in T/A Timbiri, said the outbreak has disrupted small-scale and commercial farming, resulting in heavy losses.
“I have lost two hectares of cassava. This means I have lost my capital and many farmers are struggling to recover,” he said.
In an interview, Mpamba Extension Planning Area (EPA) agriculture extension officer Charles Msukwa confirmed that the disease has affected the entire EPA, describing the situation as serious.
He said efforts are underway to help farmers, including plans to introduce improved cassava varieties, adding that the matter has been reported to relevant authorities.
Nkhata Bay district chief agricultural officer Upe Museko Phiri said the outbreak is concerning, adding that about 1 248 households in Mpamba EPA have been affected.
He emphasised that currently there is no cure for the disease and urged farmers to strictly follow preventive measures such as planting disease-free cassava cuttings to control further spread.
Cassava brown streak virus causes root rot, making the crop unfit for consumption thereby posing a threat to both food security and livelihoods in the district.
